The first order of business this month is to extend our congratulations along with a note of sincere appreciation to our recently elected NAOC Board members. They are Mike Cibulas, David Hall, Paul Mang and Fred Deusch. They join the other members of the board, Joan Anderson, Charles Brennan, Joanne Ehrsam, Phil Fischer, Franklin Graf, Bud Guyer, Greg Minges, and Rick Winn. With these very capable people helping Vice President Jim Schultz and me, NAOC is in very good hands.

So, what will 2010 bring each of us and, collectively, the NAOC? We can anticipate that our club membership will continue to grow. True, it’s slow, but it is steady. As I asked last month, I hope that each member will recruit at least one new member during the year. An expanded membership benefits us all. Not only will new members bring vitality and financial strength to the club, but also more new (old) Oldsmobiles for preservation.

I hope that we can utilize our classified ads more than we have. There has to be a wealth of parts and parts suppliers out there that have things that are needed by other enthusiasts. And, who doesn’t learn and appreciate member contributed articles? Stand alone articles or a series of articles such as have been contributed by Fred Deusch and Clay Mollman in past issues are just the thing. Keep them coming! Finally, we have an opportunity this summer to return to Lansing where Oldsmobile had its beginnings. The Badlgleys have what looks to be a super meet planned for us. Lansing has much to offer, and it’s a great opportunity to get together with each other to share old and new stories. Use the registration form in this issue to register early and help out the hosts with planning.

I have noticed the addition of a few letters from members appearing in Runabouts to Rockets. This seems to be a very positive trend and one that I hope continues and grows. A club needs input and exchanges from members, and letters to the editor are very effective. Also, as your NAOC President, I welcome your thoughts and input. My email address is olds4950@yahoo.com. Let me hear from you.

One other thing worth mentioning in closing is a first time local show here in Spokane that I attended last summer. It was called “An All Original Show.” The show was put together by Skip Ritner (a former NAOC member) in conjunction with the HASSIE Club (Historical Society of Spokane and Inland Empire). There were approximately 250 cars and trucks entered. All these vehicles were stock. Some were survivors and some were restored to the nines. But what a pleasure it was to view cars that didn’t sport the crate Chevy 502 engine with a blower and exhaust stacks protruding out the sides. Two of our NAOC members, Charles Brennan’s 1953 Fiesta and Terry Thach’s 1949 “88” convertible took home trophies. Cars ranged from a early 1950 Bentley to a 1940 Packard Darrin convertible to Model A’s. This show will only grow larger next year judging by the enthusiasm that participants expressed. What I realized was that there were many cars that, because they were stock, never were shown and therefore not really appreciated by interested people. If, in your area, there isn’t a similar event, it would be worth considering.

As spring approaches it’s time to begin thinking of firing up the Olds, seeing just what mechanical gremlins crept in over the winter, and getting out the Crescent wrench and hammer—that’s my approach anyway—to get ready for cruising this year. At least if I’m not mechanically gifted, I polish well.

Happy Oldsmobiling.

—Larry Reid (#5069)
NAOC President